While TikTok and other social media channels have helped students open up about once-taboo subjects, she noted a surge in unqualified people misdiagnosing and treating themselves or others for common medical conditions, such as ADHD, OCD or PTSD. As a result, students who may be genuinely suffering from a mild or severe mental health disorder may feel like they can circumvent proper evaluation and care or that their issues can be readily addressed on their own.

Furthermore, students may be suffering ailments that have not been formally identified as psychiatric diagnoses by clinical practitioners. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has declared loneliness as an epidemic. Prolonged social media use can contribute to this isolation, which Dr. Murthy also recently stated was “the defining public health issue of our time.” Western Governors University, a primarily online institution, is also working to combat the lack of socio-emotional connection students and faculty receive through online learning.

Instant Insights /

Misinformation is spreading as more students seek mental health care

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